Stick to your New Year’s resolutions in 2026

Simple, sustainable ideas to help you build habits that last

The start of a new year brings that familiar wave of motivation — a fresh calendar, fresh intentions, and fresh energy to do things differently. But let’s be honest: by February, most resolutions are already fading into the rear-view mirror.

This year, let’s make it different. Here are some simple, sustainable ways to live up to your New Year’s resolutions — without needing superhuman willpower.

Start smaller than you think you should

This is something we’ve learnt from doing Plastic Free July a few times over!

Most resolutions fail because they’re too ambitious right out of the gate. Try breaking your goal into tiny actions you can achieve daily or weekly.

• Want to get fit? Start with a 10-minute walk after dinner.
• Want to go zero-waste? Swap one product at a time (starting with reusables like Ecobags totes and Ecopack produce bags).
• Want to save money? Begin with one no-spend day per week.
• Make simple switches that you wont even notice (swap plastic courier satchels for Ecopack recycled plastic ones).

Small wins build momentum — and momentum builds habits.

Make your goals visible (literally)

Out of sight = out of mind. Keep reminders where you can’t ignore them:

• Put your reusable bags by the door or in the car so you never forget them.
• Stick your goals on the fridge or save them as your phone wallpaper.
• Keep your gym shoes next to your bed.
• Put that compost caddy proudly on your kitchen benchtop.

Visibility turns intention into action.

Add, don’t just remove

Instead of just restricting yourself, add positive habits:

• Add more plant-based meals rather than “cutting out takeaways.”
• Add daily tidying habits rather than “stop letting the house get messy.”
• Add one reusable swap rather than “eliminate all waste.”

Positive framing feels better — and sticks better.

Build “sustainable” habits in the eco sense too

If living greener is on your resolutions list, try these low-effort, long-lasting changes:

• Bring a reusable tote everywhere — one of the simplest ways to reduce plastic use.
• Use compostable bin liners for all organic waste and channel it into the right waste stream.
• Embrace second-hand shopping for clothes, toys, and home items.
• Start composting food scraps — even small flats can use a benchtop compost bin.
• Replace plastic bags destined for landfill with recycled alternatives.

Sustainability isn’t all-or-nothing. Celebrate progress.

Make it easy to choose the better option

Simplify the good habits so much that they become your default.

• Keep a set of reusable produce bags in your handbag.
• Meal prep or pre-chop veggies so healthy meals are the fast option.
• Fill a big drink bottle each morning if “drink more water” is a goal.
• Put a donation box by the wardrobe if you want to declutter throughout the year.
• Fill your kitchen essentials draw with Ecopack compostable cling wrap and compostable food bags.

Ease beats motivation every time.

Use accountability (the friendly kind)

We’re more likely to show up when someone is watching — or cheering.

• Join a walking group.
• Host wardrobe or toy swaps with friends.
• Embark on an eco challenge within your whanau.
• Share your goals with someone who gets it.
• Celebrate each other's progress, not perfection.

A little community goes a long way.

Don’t wait for Monday

If you fall off track (because you’re human), just restart that same day. No guilt, no “I’ll try again next week."

New habits thrive when they’re flexible, not all-or-nothing.

Reflect every month

Instead of reviewing your resolutions once a year, check in monthly:

• What worked?
• What didn’t?
• What needs adjusting?

Resolutions should evolve as you do.

Here’s to a greener, kinder, more intentional 2026!

At Ecobags, we’re all about small everyday choices that add up — for people, for communities, and for the planet. Whether your goal is to live lighter, declutter, save money, or simply be more intentional, the magic lies in consistency, not perfection.

Let’s make this the year our resolutions last beyond January. 🌿✨